Good Morning Everyone!
What a fabulous last few days it has been! I have been receiving so many letters, notes, calls, hugs and kisses! Your DIARY posts have been amazing! THANK YOU! I am still rejoicing in the announcement…
The 2010 HORSE OF THE YEAR
IS
ZENYATTA!
These words will echo in my mind FOREVER! What a beautiful way to cap off my RACING CAREER!
I wanted you to see the OFFICIAL CARD used that evening. When Alex Waldrop was standing on the stage…opening the envelope…then announcing…AND THE WINNER IS…THIS is the official card he was holding!
It is all still so exciting for me! My beloved TEAM was here visiting with me on Sunday and wishing me GOOD LUCK before going on to Florida. Pictures will come soon.
Then, the big night arrived! After the announcement, I was able to TANGO with MY TEAM. Everyone has been so, so kind.
On Tuesday morning when they called, I think the news finally began to SINK IN! Ann and Dottie were talking to me on the phone, and suddenly I KNEW WHAT ALL OF THIS REALLY MEANT! I am so, so proud! I began to dance and prance all around my paddock. Then SEA GULL and I began to do this free spirited gallop all around the field. It was truly a moment of great celebration!
Again, I want to really THANK ALL OF MY FANS for the huge role you have played in my career. As Dottie mentioned to several members of the press that evening, it was ALL of YOU who helped to keep everyones’ spirits so positive and encouraged as we traveled along this journey together! We truly can’t thank you enough! I really knew how much you were there for ME!
What a fabulous feeling this is! Reflecting upon everything that has happened to me during my entire racing career…this accomplishment is THE DIAMOND EXCLAMATION POINT after my name! It really makes my career feel complete!
As John told Dottie…”this entire experience during the last 4 1/2 years is positively a wonderful FAIRY TALE…and yet it really happened to us in our lives!” I think they are still ‘pinching themselves’.
To my dear, dear fans….Thank you for sharing this DREAM with ME…and ALL of TEAM ZENYATTA!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL~
Z
Alysse Jacobs
It’s funny how such a non-descript piece of paper wtih a select four words could bring so much joy to so many people. :)
joanna
Can’t wait to see the new pictures –
Morgan Goble
love it.
Alysse Jacobs
Five! I meant five words. I can count, I swear.
connie richey
Miss Z u make me smile no matter what else is going on in life♥ You are simply amazing HORSE OF THE YEAR♥ Love Ya Miss Z♥
Suzanne Davis
I noticed that Zenyatta and her pasture-mates don’t wear blankets, even in these frigid temperatures. Can you give me your thoughts on this? Thank you.
Wendy Bratten
Thank you Zenyatta and team, for including us!
Charlotte
It was the perfect ending to an exceptional career. Now you are in your second career and we the fans know that you will exceed everyones expectations. Can wait to hear who you will be bred to and can’t wait for your first baby. Well done Zenyatta. You are perfect!!
AnnG
Congrats – you definitely deserved it!
Marilyn Hill-Russell
Thank you LADY Z, I could not begin to imagine you without this award. Send more pictures.
Denise
What a perfect way to describe it! It is indeed a “diamond exclamation point” on your fabulous & amazing racing career & its impact on all of us! Thank you!
Stacy V
Suzanne, they grow a long, thick coat so they don’t care that it’s cold outside.
Lexie
The Greatest Five Words I’ve ever heard! Bravo Zenyatta! Such a well earned accomplishment! It’s been a wonderful ride. Thank you Zenyatta and Team Zenyatta for taking us fans along with you! The most amazing horse ever!
RuthG
So happy for you dear, sweet Zenyatta. You deserve all the awards and accolades. You gave your all each and every time that you were asked to race. Now you truly can begin your new career as a Mom, knowing that you are the 2010 Horse of the Year!!!!!!
Monika Smith
A simple thank you does not seem to be enough but it is all I can offer, that and congratulations. Team Z has done so much to improve the appeal of racing for so many. I hope this encourages other owners to let horses mature and not push them so young. I continue to be amazed at how you take the time to share with all of us out here all the little bits and pieces of having a GREAT horse like Z. I know how busy you all must be and I appreciate the photos,videos, and the daily diary that keep us updated on life in Z’s world.
Lauren
That is a beautiful card and one that we will all remember for a lifetime, if not longer. Zenyatta, you are so special. You have brought so much joy and happiness into so many lives. It is only appropriate that you be bestowed with such an honor. So now as your racing career has been officially recognized by such a wonderful award, we all look forward to your years as a mom. I know that you will be the best at that also. God Bless you and your family Zenyatta. You are the greatest!!!!!!
Love and Kisses.
Jill Mabry
Zenyatta, thank YOU for sharing this dream with us. We can’t thank you and Dottie enough for keeping us posted on everything that is going on in your life. It almost feels as if we are there with you. Hopefully we can visit you later this year. Stay warm and safe. Sending you Hugs and Kisses from CA XOXOXOXOX!!!
We love you,
Jill
Karen Black
To win the horse of the year certainly is a fabulous way to finalize a remarkable racing career! Best wishes to Team Zenyatta and again – thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing the past few years with those of us who think of Zenyatta as our very own.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
Dear Zenyatta and Team Z: Yes, a fairy tale and yet “it really happened to us in our lives.” What a poetic comment John made. How fortunate you all are and how generous to share the fairy tale with countless others!
How kind to show us the exact card that announced your award.
Zenyatta, you certainly are frisky and very friendly to the camera. Thank you for the lovely video.
I’d almost hoped #61 was the last post b/c I’m losing my eyesight reading them. And I am not yet retired, as you are, so I have responsibilites. But I cannot resist seeing how you and your Team Z are doing.
Much love and respect–Robbie
Karen Wyatt
Everyone – especially us girls is so very proud of you! We want you to stay in touch and let us know just how your life is progressing. One question many of us has at this point is, “Have you decided on a man yet?” “What’s his name?” Although many feel there is none good enough for you – we’d sure like to see the beautiful baby you will have!
Melissa
You are wonderful Zenyatta. Congratulations big girl!! We all love you so much!!!!!
Janet
Thank you for sharing this event with your fans. It means so much to us to share in your joy. We’re so proud and happy for you and we’re looking forward to seeing the photos. Please have a DVD for us to buy soon!! Love,hugs and kisses for you Miss Z!!!
Grandma Bea, Ladee, Remington & Bashful Gobee
Sweet Zenyatta you are so deserving of this award and we hear in the snowy Pocono Mountains of PA are so so happy for you. We have been waiting for post 62 and so glad it is finally here to hear how you are feeling about all this as well as your connections. We LOVE your announcement card…it is so AWESOME to see it. The next exciting announcement of your date identity is just as exciting. Have sweet dreams Queen Z and enjoy your new title. It has been an awesome 4 1/2 years. We love you now and always.
Grandma Bea & my 3 kitties, Ladee, Remington & Bashful.
Cheryl Smith
Sweet Zenyatta, we fans thank you and are SO HAPPPY for your recognition as the true champion that you are. You are also to be congratulation for winning the award created by Ms Penny! Both you ladies are most classy!
Good luck in your future as a mommy!
You are and always will be loved by all of us!
Jamie Newsome
Oh Zenny!!! We are all still on cloud nine too, with such joy for you and your team!! Waiting to hear that announcement was so excruciating and scary but then when they finally said your name… well, the floodgates opened all across America as all your fans rose up as one, with tears streaming, and shouted ZENNNYAAAATA!!!!!! It is so fitting, so perfect. I printed and hung on my cubical wall right next to the picture I have taken with you at HP, the excerpt from Pricilla Clark’s commentary that Jerry read. It is so beautiful. Long Live the Queen! Thank you Ann, Jerry, John, Dottie, Mario, Carmen, Mike and the rest of Team Z!! Hugs, nose kisses, peppermints and Guinness to you Zenny. Love, Jamie
Karen Line
What PURE joy !!! Your dear John’s heart is filled with so much for you, Zenyatta. You have done such a good thing for the lives of so many. Good girl.
You are indeed a miracle to behold!
Long life and good health to you, Queen Zenyatta. We are all here for the next joyous part of your life.
Linda Shull
Would love to see the pictures and many, many more videos. Horse of the Year is your true title.
Debbi M
Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you for everything you have shared and given…..
jeanie langford
I thought you left us. The piece of paper means so much. It gives me goose bumps. We love you so big girl. Please stay in touch. Hugs and Kisses
Fran
Oh, Z I am so very happy for you, and our Doozey sends her love too. I just saw a video that was posted, and you look absolutely beautiful! I am so proud to be a fan and so happy that your team has shared you with us. WOW! YOU ARE THE HORSE OF THE YEAR!!!!!! It is so exciting for everyone. Thank you so much Z for allowing us to share a little bit of your life. Did you know that Mr. Moss was almost in tears as he read the poem written by the lady from Tranquility Farm. I think everyone was in tears-including me! You have a piece of my heart forever! xxoo